Roasted Cauliflower Florets (Printable)

Golden cauliflower florets tossed with olive oil and spices, roasted to tender, caramelized perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower (about 28 oz), cut into bite-sized florets

→ Oils

02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil

→ Spices & Seasonings

03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
03 - Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
04 - Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, turning the florets halfway through to promote even caramelization and tenderness.
05 - Remove from the oven. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if using, then serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and restaurant-quality with just a handful of pantry staples.
  • The texture is crispy outside and creamy inside, which keeps people coming back for more.
  • It works as a side dish, salad topper, snack, or even mixed into grain bowls.
02 -
  • Halfway through roasting, flip or shake the pan—this is the difference between unevenly cooked florets and perfectly caramelized ones all over.
  • The cauliflower will continue cooking slightly after you remove it from the oven, so pull it out when it looks just slightly underdone.
03 -
  • If you want extra richness without dairy, toss the finished cauliflower with a drizzle of tahini or a squeeze of sriracha mayo.
  • Grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami boost if you're not vegan—scatter it on before roasting and it'll get crispy and golden.
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